Department Culture

At Webster University, DADAH builds a community with life centers around the Visual
Arts Studios building and the Hunt House. Students have 24/7 access to studios and
labs, and are present and working at all hours.

Students know and rely on each other, and are on a first-name basis with faculty.
Classes are small, with the largest studio course being Introduction to Drawing, with
15 students, and Art History courses with 20 students. Often class size is closer
to eight students, with a continuous dialogue between students and faculty, both within
and outside of courses. Reviews help with this process, and foster a culture of intimate
and insightful discussion while ensuring that students remain a recognized, participating
voice in the community. The collegial student culture means students constantly offer
each other help, and serve as a support network. Three student organizations sponsor
events, including social ones such as Art Prom and professionally directed ones like
the Student Art Exhibition.

Individual relationships seem to thrive and grow through discussions and collaborations
on the patio or on late nights in the studios.

The culture is also defined by the department’s expectations, which focus both on
the rigorous and the challenging but also a fostering of independence. For this reason
the department holds an Open Studio Friday. Department courses do not formally meet
on Fridays, providing students with scheduled time and opportunity to involve themselves
in their projects in the studio. The practice of art requires developed discipline
and independent motivation, and students are expected to be in the studios each Friday
working.

Also on Friday is the Artist Lecture Series, held at noon in Sverdrup 123. This series
brings in professional and practicing artists, designers, art historians, and others
from the world of art. It exposes students to different ideas and practices, and helps
make them aware that they are part of a larger community.

In addition, three student organizations, regular gallery openings, and other annual
events such as holiday parties and Art Prom help to foster both a sense of community
and a sense of fun.